Cats: 0.05 mg/kg maintenance (1/4 the dog dose!)
WARNING: Cat Metacam dose is much lower than dog dose. NEVER use dog Metacam formulation (1.5 mg/mL) in cats without recalculating.
Cats metabolize NSAIDs much more slowly than dogs — the feline meloxicam dose (0.05 mg/kg) is one-quarter the canine dose. The cat-specific Metacam formulation is 0.5 mg/mL (vs 1.5 mg/mL for dogs). In many countries, meloxicam is approved for cats only as a single post-surgical injection; long-term oral use varies by jurisdiction. Cats are highly susceptible to NSAID-induced kidney injury, especially dehydrated or elderly cats. Monitor kidney values (BUN, creatinine) before and during treatment. Never give ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin to cats — they are extremely toxic. Always use the cat-specific formulation and dosing syringe provided.